Pandiya naatu divyadesams Route map

There are in all 18 divyadesams in Pandiya naadu. The temples can be classified further into Madurai based divyadesams and Tirunelveli based divyadesams.

** Click on the image to enlarge it..The maps are just an indication and not to scale

** The temples with blue outline are divyadesams and those with red outlines are other interesting temples in the nearby area
** Click on the name of the temple for details about the temple, how to reach, timings and more..

1. Madurai based divyadesams

One can cover 8 divyadesams by staying at Madurai..the suggested routes are

Day 1 : Start with Koodal Azhagar temple within Madurai..move to Azhagar kovil and Thirumogur and finish in half day. Continue to Thirukoshtiyur and Thirumayam in the evening and return back to Madurai. (If time permits can cover Pilliyarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar temple and Ariyakudi Srinivasa perumal temple)

Day 2 : Visit Srivilliputtur and Thiruthankal by leaving early in the morning and return to Madurai. Proceed towards Rameshwaram and visit Sethu karai and Thirupullani temple. (If time permits visit Rameshwaram and Nava Bhasanam)

2. Tirunelveli based divyadesams (Suggested routes for 10 divyadesams)

Day 1 : Visit Nava tirupathis and Bhasyakarar temple near Alwar Thirunagari. Tiruchendur Murugan temple, Punniyakudi Srinivasa temple, Karungulam Venkatachalapati temple and Krishnapuram Venkateshwara temple can also be covered while coming back.

Day 2 : Visit Nanguneri/Vanamamalai and Thirukurungudi (3 temples -one main, second parkadal nambi temple nearby and third Malaimel nambi temple)..If time permits visit Ramanuja vattaparai. Evenings can be used for visiting Nelliappar temple in Tirunelveli town and other temples.

Sri Aadinathar temple - Alwar thirunagari / Tirukkurukoor

About the temple

This is the final of the nava thirupathis and comes under the Pandiya naatu divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas. The presiding deity is Sri Aadinathar in standing posture and he is swayambu moorthy. The thayars in the temple are Aadinatha valli and Kurugoorvalli thayar.

The temple represents the Guru sthalam in the nava graha kshetrams. The temple is also famous for the Ariyar sevai which involves the recital of divya prabandam with expression, music and rhythm. Apart from this temple town, Ariyar sevai is done only in Srirangam and Srivilliputtur. There is a tamarind tree inside the temple where Nammazhwar stayed for 16 years and there is a seperate sannadhi for Nammazhwar. It is believed that Lakshmana here is in the form of the tamarind tree. Another interesting feature of the temple is that Sri Ramanujar gives darshan here wearing white dhoti instead of saffron as wore by saints.

Naatha munigal is said to have recited "Kannin suruthambinal" verse 12000 times here for Nammazhwar to appear and share the verses for the naal ayiram divyaprabandam (4000 verses sung in praise of the Lords in 108 divyadesams by alwars)

During the Vaikasi utsavam, all the lords from the nava thirupathi come together here and Nammazhwar comes in Hamsa vahanam.

How to reach

Alwar thirunagari station on the Tirunelveli - Tiruchendur railway route is the nearest station while Tirunelveli is the nearest railhead. Bus facilities and accomodation facilities are also available here.

Sannadhis

Aadinathar perumal

Rama

Pon ninra perumal

Garudan

Venugopala

Gnanapiran

Aadhi nachiyar

Paramapada nadhan

Kurugoor nachiyar

Chakratalwar

Anjaneya

Lakshmi Narasimhar

Thirupuli alwar

Nammazhawar

Nathamunigal

Srinivasar

Dasavatharam

Pushkarni and Vimanam

The temple tank is called Brahma theertham and the vimanam is known as Govinda vimanam.

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 7 am to 12 noon and in the evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Temples in proximity

Nava tirupathis, Tiruchendur Murugan temple, Karungulam Srinivasar temple, Vana tirupathi - Srinivasar temple

Sri Vaaitha Maanitha perumal temple - Thirukolur

About the temple

The temple is the eighth among the Nava thirupathis and comes under Pandiya naatu divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas. The presiding deity is Sri Vaittha Maanidhi perumal in a sleeping posture on Adiseshan. One hand of the Lord is pointing towards his face and another towards the ground.

Kuberan lost his wealth as a curse by Lord Shiva and to regain it he prayed to Lord Vishnu at this place. Since the Lord gave him back part of his wealth, the Lord is called Vaithamanidhi. The utsavar is called Nithya pavithran. There are seperate sannadhis for both the thayars. The temple represents Chevvai sthalam/ Angarakastalam among the nava graha kshetrams. It is believed that the person who prays here after losing their property will get it back.

Thirukolur is the avathara sthalam of Madhurakavi alwar.

How to reach

The temple is between Ten tirupperai and Alwar thirunagari divyadesams, about 3-4 kms from Alwar Thirunagari. The nearest railhead is Tirunelveli junction.

Sannadhis

Perumal

Kumudavalli thayar

Kolurvalli thayar

Yoga Narasimhar

Madhurakavi alwar

Acharyas and alwars

Garuda

Vimanam and pushkarni

The temple tank is called Kubera theertham and vimanam is known as Srihara vimanam.

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 7.30 am to 12 noon and in the evenings from 1 pm to 8 pm.

Temples in proximity

Nava tirupathis, Tiruchendur Murugan temple, Karungulam Srinivasar temple, Vana tirupathi - Srinivasar temple

Sri Makara Nedunkuzhaikkaadan perumal temple - Ten Tirupperai

About the temple

The temple is the seventh among the Nava thirupathis. It comes under the Panidya naatu divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas. The presiding deity is Makara Nedunkuzhaikkaadan perumal in a sitting posture with left leg folded. Brighu muni and Markandeyar are also present in the sannadhi. The utsavar is known as Nigaril Mugil vannan perumal. There are seperate sannadhis to both the thayars - Kuzhaikkaaduvalli thayar and Tirupperai nachiyar. The temple represents Shukran sthalam among the Nava graha kshetrams.

Bhoomidevi was once cursed by Doorvasar for not respecting him. To be relieved of the curse, she was asked to do penance at Ten tirupperai. Once she saw two fishes in the form of ear ornament in the Thamirabharani river and she offered them to the Lord who wore it immediately. He gave her the features of Lakshmi and hence the place is known as Tiruperai.

How to reach

The temple is located around 7 kms from Alwar Thirunagari. The nearest railhead is Tirunelveli junction.

Sannadhis

Perumal sannadhi

Kuzhaikkaaduvalli thayar

Tirupperai thayar

Alwars and acharyas

Garuda

Pushkarni and Vimanam

The temple tank is called Sukra pushkarni and the vimanam is called Patthira vimanam.

Temple timings

The temple is open in the morning from 7 am to 12 noon and in the evenings from 5 pm to 8.30 pm.

Temples in proximity

Nava tirupathis, Tiruchendur Murugan temple, Karungulam Srinivasar temple, Vana tirupathi - Srinivasar temple

Sri Srinivasar temple- Thirukulanthai (Perungulam)

About the temple

This is the 6th temple in the Nava thirupathi temples and comes under Pandiya naatu divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas. The presiding deity is Srinivasa perumal or Soranadha perumal in standing posture, utsavar is known as Mayakootan and thayars are known as Alamelu mangai and Kulanthaivalli. The upper two hands of the Lord have prayoga chakra and shanku while the other two are in the posture of varadha hastam and kadi hastham. The temple represents the Shani sthalam among the Nava graha kshetrams. A unique feature of the temple is the presence of Garuda along with the utsavar inside the sannadhi.

Lord Vishnu had answered the prayers of a childless couple who undertook penance here with a daughter called Kamalavathi. When the girl wanted to marry the Lord himself and kept offering prayers there, the Lord appeared before her and pleased by her devotion, gave her a place in his chest.

When the Lord defeated an asura Asmasaran after coming down to earth on Garuda vahana, he is said to have done a victory dance here. Seeing this, the devas requested him to give darshan at this place as Maaya Kootan where kootan is a traditional folk dance.

How to reach

The temple is around 12-15 kms from Srivaikundam near Eral. Nearest railway station is Srivaikuntam and nearest railhead is Tirunelveli junction that is well connected with other cities.

Sannadhis

Srinivasar Perumal

Alwar acharyas

Manavalamamunigal

Thiruvenkatamudayan sannadhi outside the temple

Vimanam and pushkarni

The temple tank is called Perungulam and the vimanam is called Anandanilaya vimanam (like in Tirumala).

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm and in the evenings from 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

Temples in proximity

Nava tirupathis, Tiruchendur Murugan temple, Karungulam Srinivasar temple, Vana tirupathi - Srinivasar temple

Sri Devapiran and Sri Aravinda Losanar perumal temple - Irettai Tirupathi

About the temples

This divyadesam comprises of two temples and comes under Pandiya naatu divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas. These are the 4th and 5th temples among the Nava thirupathis. There are no seperate sannadhis for thayar in both the temples.

The presiding deity of the first temple is Sri Srinivasar/ Devapiran in standing posture. The temple represents Ketu in the nava graha kshetrams. When a gandarva couple were cursed by Deva guru to become Tula (Measuring instrument) and Villu (bow), they were told they can be relieved only if they stay under the mud and do penance in Kethara nilayam. When Suprabar muni cleaned the place to build a yaga shala, he removed the tula and villu and they turned into a couple again. Since they got relieved from their curse at this place, it is called Tholaivillimangalam.

The presiding deity of the second temple is  Sri Aravinda lochanar/Senthamarai kannan in Veetrirundra kolam and thayar is called Karunthadanganni thayar. The temple represents Rahu in the nava graha kshetrams. Since the Lord adorns himself with Lotus flowers here, he is known as Aravinda lochanar.

How to reach

The temples are around 3 kms from Sri vaikuntam. Both the temples are around 150 mtrs away. The nearest railway station is Sri vaikuntam on Tirunelveli - Tiruchendur route and the nearest railhead is Tirunelveli junction which is well connected with other cities.

Sannadhis

Perumal

Acharyas and Alwars

Vimanam and theertham

The temple tank is called Varuna theertham and the vimanam is known as Kumudha vimanam

Temple timings

The temples are open in the mornings from 8.30 am to 1 pm and in the evenings from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Temples in proximity

Nava tirupathis, Tiruchendur Murugan temple, Karungulam Srinivasar temple, Vana tirupathi - Srinivasar temple

Sri Kaisina Vendhar perumal temple - Thirupulingudi

About the temple

The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas under the Pandiya Naatu divyadesams. It is the third among the Nava thirupathis along the Thamirabharani river. The presiding deity is Bhoomipalaka perumal in Bhujanga sayanam and the utsavar is called Kaichina Vendhar perumal. Lord Brahma is seated on a lotus, the stalk of which emerges from the Lord's navel. Thayars of this sthalam are Malarmagal nachiyar, Poomagal nachiyar and Pulinguduvalli thayar. Lord Indra is said to have been relieved from Brahma hatya dosham at this sthalam. To see both the thirupaadam (feet) of the Lord, we have to see through the small window in the outer prakaram. The temple represents the Buddan sthalam in the Nava graha sthalams of Nava tirupathi.

How to reach

The temple is about a km from Varagunamangai temple and around 3 kms from Sri Vaikuntam temple. The nearest station is Sri vaikundam on the Tirunelveli - Tiruchendur route and nearest railhead is Tirunelveli junction.

Sannadhis

Perumal with Sridevi Bhoodevi thayar

Alwars and Acharyas

Vimanam and pushkarni

The temple tank is called Varuna theertham and the vimanam is called Veda saara vimanam.

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 8 am to 12 noon and in the evenings from 1 pm to 6 pm.

Temples in proximity

Nava tirupathis, Tiruchendur Murugan temple, Karungulam Srinivasar temple, Vana tirupathi - Srinivasar temple

Sri Vijayaasana perumal - Thiru Varagunamangai / Naththam

About the temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Vijayaasana perumal in a sitting posture with Adiseshan over his head like an umbrella like in Srivaikundam temple. Thayar is known as Varagunamangai /Varagunavalli thayar and there is no seperate sannadhi for thayar in this temple. It is interesting to note that in many of the Nava thirupathi temples, the thayar is known by the name of the place itself. The temple is the second among the Nava thirupathi divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and comes under Pandiya naatu divyadesams among the 108 temples. The place is also called as Naththam and Mokshapuri. It is believed that one's soul attains moksham if death occurs at this place. This temple occupies the chandra sthalam in the nava grahas.

How to reach

The temple is just 2 kms away from Sri Vaikuntam divyadesam. Nearest station is Srivaikundam on the Tirunelveli - Tiruchendur route and nearest railhead is Tirunelveli junction.

Sannadhis

Vijayaasana perumal

Garuda

Yoga Narasimhar

Alwars and Acharyas

Vimanam and Pushkarni

The temple tank is called Agni theertham and the vimanam is Vijayakoti vimanam.

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 8 am to 12 noon and from 1 pm to 6 pm in the evenings.

Temples in proximity

Nava tirupathis, Tiruchendur Murugan temple, Karungulam Srinivasar temple, Vana tirupathi - Srinivasar temple

Sri Vaikunta Natha perumal, Srivaikuntam

About the temple

The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and comes under Nava thirupathi and Pandiya naatu divyadesams. It is situated on the banks of the Thamirabharani river. The Lord had come down to here to help Lord Brahma recover the book having secrets about creation of the world here and hence the place is called Thiruvaikundam. The temple occupies the Soorya graha place among the Nava thirupathis. The presiding deity is Sri Vaikunta natha perumal in standing posture with Adiseshan above his head -  a unique feature as normally the Lord is found only in a sleeping posture over Adiseshan. The utsavar is known as Kallabiran as he had given darshan to a king through a thief according to the sthala puranam. The Lord is also known as Paal Pandyan. The architecture of the temple is simply amazing and there are three prakarams in the temple. It is believed that Sun god prays to the Lord here twice a year with rays all over the Lord. There is a small impression on the cheeks of the utsava moorthy as the sculpturist who made the utsavar got immersed in the beauty of the Lord and pinched him forgetting everything else.

How to reach

Buses are available from Tirunelveli bus stand to Srivaikuntam. The temple is about 30 kms from Tirunelveli. Alternatively if one wants to cover all the Nava thirupathis, they can even hire a taxi directly from Tirunelveli or can travel by bus till Srivaikuntam and then hire a taxi or auto from there for remaining temples.

The nearest station is Srivaikundam on the Tirunelveli - Tiruchendur route. Nearest railhead is Tirunelveli station.

Sannadhis

Vaikuntapathi perumal

Vaikunta nayaki thayar

Soranathanayaki thayar

Ramar

Anjaneyar

Lakshmi Narasimhar

Alwars acharyas

Dasavatharam

Thiruvenkatamudayan

Temple timings

The temple is open from 7 am to 12 noon in the mornings and from 5 pm to 8 pm in the evenings.

Temples in proximity

Nava tirupathis, Tiruchendur Murugan temple, Karungulam Srinivasar temple, Vana tirupathi - Srinivasar temple

Nava Tirupathi divyadesams - General information for travel

Nava Thirupathis come under Pandiya naatu divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas. Each of the nine temples represent one of the nine grahas of navagrahas- namely Sooryan, Chandran, Rahu, Ketu, Guru, Shukran, Shani, Mangalan, Sowmyan. Although the number of temples are nine, it constitutes only eight divyadesams with two temples called Irratai tirupathi combinedly considered as just one divyadesam.

Some of these temples are really big and takes time to pray at all sannadhis and come around the prakaram admiring the beautiful sculptures and architecture. The timings of the temple are also quite varied. However one can easily cover all the nine temples in half a day's trip.

Three of the temples are on one side of the Thamirabharani river and six of them on another side. Have a look at the map below..click to enlarge

The roads are really small and rough as one goes into the interiors and it is advisible to either hire a guide if going by personal vehicle. However most of the taxi drivers from Tirunelveli and Srivaikundam are well versed with the routes and temple timings.

Have a look at the temple timings -

Depending on what time one starts visiting the temples, it would be ideal to mark the temples that close early and finish it off first and then go on to visit the temples that remain open even during the afternoon.

Accomodation facilities are good only at Thirunelveli and Alwar Thirunagari

Temple that can also be visited in the same day -

1. Bhavisyatar sannadhi - Right behind Alwar Thirunagari temple

2. Punnai nagar Srinivasa temple - Managed by the famous Hotel Saravana bhavan group

3. Karungulam Srinivasa temple - On the Tirunelveli- Tiruchendur highway

4. Krishnapuram Venkateshwara temple- On the Tirunelveli- Tiruchendur highway closer to Tirunelveli

5. Tiruchendur Murugan temple

Sri Thotadri Nathan perumal temple, Vanamamalai- Nanguneri

About the temple

The temple is among the 108 divyadesams of Sri Vaishnavas and comes under Pandiya Naatu divyadesams. Nanguneri is the headquarters of the popular Vanamamalai mutt. The temple is among the eight Swayamvekhta kshetrams of Sri Vaishnavas. The utsava moorthy is known as Deivanayakan perumal.

The Lord gives darshan in a sitting posture with one leg folded and Prayoga chakra in his hand. There are in all 11 swayambu moorthies in the main sannadhi- a unique feature of this divyadesam. A bath in the temple tank -Chetruttamari theertham is said to relieve the devotees of all curses. The prakarams have beautiful pillars and the architecture is simply superb.

How to reach

The temple is about 33 kms from Thirunelveli. A small diversion from the Kanyakumari expressway leads to the temple.

The temple along with Thirukurungudi divyadesam can be covered in half a day's trip from Tirunelveli.

Sannadhis

Thotadri nathan perumal with sooryan, chandran and more-in all 11 swayambu moorthies

Chakratalwar

Lakshmi Varahar

Vishwaksenar

Lakshmi Narayanan and Tirukacchi Nambi

Kannan, Srinivasan, Alwars and Acharyas

Ramanujar

Kooratalwar

Varamangai nacchiyar

Andal (looking like thayar)

Ramar

Pillai Lokacharyar

Venugopala

Manavala Mamunigal

Specialty of the temple

There are 11 swayambu moorthies in main sannadhi..Perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi thayar, Sooryan, Chandran, Bruhu rishi, Markandeya, Urvashi, Thilothama, Garuda and Vishwaksenar. Urvashi and Thilothama gained their place besides the Lord fanning him to keep his cool by undertaking penance here to be freed from rebirth.

When Lord Vishnu killed the asuras Madhu and Kaitapa, their impure blood fell on Mother Earth and she took penance here to be freed from impurities. The Lord then showered nectar over her and she was given a place below the Vaikunda vimanam as per her wish.

Nammalwar first surrendered to the Lord here and hence his vigraham is present on the Satari of the Lord thereby blessing all devotees.

Abhisekham is performed to the Lord daily with gingelly oil and the oil used for it is later stored in the Oil well inside the temple. It is a huge well and the oil is said to have medicinal properties to cure any disease. Devotees can offer oil for the abhisekham and can also purchase the abhishekam oil to carry back home. The oil is considered to be very sacred.

The utsava moorthy of Thayar was orginally said to be in Tirupathi. The Lord appeared in the dream of the Jeer and said that Varagunamangai thayar was the consort of the Lord in Nanguneri. Accordingly the Jeer brought thayar to the Nanguneri temple and she is worshipped here as the Lord's consort.

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 8 am to 12 pm and in the evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Temples in proximity

Thirukurungudi Nambi perumal temple.

Sri Vaishnava Nambi temple, Thirukurungudi

About the temple

Thirukurungudi divyadesam is a combination of five nambis- three of them Nindra nambi, Kidantha nambi and Amarnda nambi in the main temple, one each at Parkadal nambi temple and Malaimel nambi temple. The temple is also called Dakshina badri. The Lord is also called Vaishnava nambi as it is believed that the Lord obtained Vaishnava initiation from Ramanujar here. Since Gajendra and Lord Shiva had darshan of the Lord here, there is a seperate sannadhi for Lord Shiva besides the main sanctum. Poojas are performed in both the sannadhis at the same time.

How to reach

The main temple is around 45 kms from Tirunelveli and around 15 kms from Naanguneri divyadesam. Paarkadal nambi temple is just about 1/2 km from main temple. To reach Malaimel nambi one has to travel for about 45 minutes in the jeep available outside the main temple.

Parkadal nambi temple

Malaimel nambi temple

Sannadhis

Main temple-

Nambi narayana
Lakshmi Narasimhar
Gnanapiran
Sri kurungudi thayar
Ganapathy
Dasavatharam
Thiruvenkatamudayan
Sri Andal (Looks like thayar)
Kalabhairavar
Pallikonda nambi
Veetru irundha nambi
Mahabali chakravarthi
Mahendra Girinadhar (Shiva)
Alwars and Acharyas
Manavala mamunigal

Specialty of the temple

The famous Ariyar sevai is said to be originated here

Thirukurungudi nambi is the believed to be born as Nammazhwar

The sthalam is popular for Kaisika Ekadashi.  Vaikunta is believed to be in an 'hearing' distance from this kshetra.

Thirumanagai Mannan ( alwar) reached paramapadam from this place .( Thiruvattarasu).

Lord Hanuman is believed to have leaped to Lanka to search for Sita from the mountain top where Malaimel nambi temple is located

Temple timings

The temple is open in the mornings from 8 am to 12 noon and in the evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Temples in proximity

Nanguneri divyadesam